Curry Braised Chicken Legs Recipe
This flavorful Curry Braised Chicken Legs recipe combines tender chicken legs with a rich and aromatic curry sauce made from a blend of spices, tomatoes, chicken broth, and creamy coconut milk. Searing the chicken before slow cooking it in a dutch oven ensures juicy, succulent meat infused with warm, vibrant flavors perfect for a comforting meal.
- Author: Nora
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Braising
- Cuisine: Indian-inspired
- Diet: Halal
Chicken and Seasoning
- 6 chicken legs
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
- 1/4 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper, divided
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Vegetables
- 1/2 large yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Spices
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- Remaining 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Liquids
- 14 ounces diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (approximately 13.5 ounces) coconut milk
- Prepare the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a dutch oven over medium heat. Season the chicken legs with half of the salt and pepper. Sear the chicken legs in the butter for 4-5 minutes on each side until both sides are nicely browned.
- Sauté Aromatics: Remove the chicken legs from the pan and set aside. Add the diced yellow onion and minced garlic to the dutch oven. Reduce the heat to medium and stir frequently, cooking for 2-3 minutes until the onions are softened and fragrant.
- Add Spices: Stir in the curry powder, ground cumin, paprika, turmeric, ground ginger, and the remaining salt. Mix well to coat the onions and garlic, releasing the spices’ aromas.
- Braise the Chicken: Return the seared chicken legs to the pot. Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and coconut milk, ensuring the chicken is partially submerged in the liquid. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Cook Until Tender: Cover the dutch oven and let the chicken braise on low heat for about 40-50 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender, with the sauce thickened and flavorful.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve the curry braised chicken legs hot, ideally with rice, naan, or your favorite side to soak up the delicious sauce.
Notes
- Searing the chicken before braising helps lock in flavor and creates a rich base for the sauce.
- You can adjust the spice levels by adding more or less curry powder or by including chili powder for heat.
- The dish pairs well with steamed rice, quinoa, or flatbreads like naan.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and often taste better the next day.
- Use full-fat coconut milk for the creamiest texture and richest flavor.
Keywords: curry braised chicken legs, chicken curry, braised chicken recipe, coconut milk chicken, Indian-inspired chicken, one pot chicken dinner